The highly anticipated ‘Wicked’ movie is just around the corner, and to celebrate, NBC aired ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night,’ a musical special featuring Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and other stars from the upcoming film. The special offered a dazzling array of performances and sneak peeks that left fans spellbound. From heartwarming reunions to gravity-defying vocals, ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ delivered unforgettable moments. As the premiere of ‘Wicked: For Good’ approaches, anticipation soars, and this special served as the perfect appetizer, reigniting excitement and showcasing the immense talent involved. Let’s dive into the five best moments that made this night truly wonderful.
This article explores the highlights of ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night,’ providing insights and vivid descriptions of each standout performance. We’ll revisit the jazzy rendition of ‘The Wizard and I,’ the surprise celebrity auditions, the heartwarming moment with a 4-year-old superfan, the emotional duet of ‘For Good,’ and the uplifting closing number. Additionally, we’ll celebrate Cynthia Erivo’s breathtaking ‘Defying Gravity’ performance while suspended in the air. Prepare to relive the enchantment and discover why these moments resonated so deeply with audiences.
A Jazzy Rendition of ‘The Wizard and I,’ Accompanied by the Wizard Himself
Following the vibrant opening performance of ‘No One Mourns the Wicked’ by Ariana Grande and a large ensemble, Cynthia Erivo took the stage to deliver a captivating rendition of ‘The Wizard and I.’ This performance stood out for its intimacy and unique flair. Adding to the magic, Jeff Goldblum, who portrays the Wizard in the upcoming films, joined Erivo on an emerald green piano. Before beginning, Goldblum playfully warned composer Stephen Schwartz that they intended to put their own spin on the song, setting the stage for a memorable collaboration.
Erivo then launched into what she does best — a raw vocal performance with complicated runs, lots of belting and a jazzy flair, making “The Wizard and I” one of the best performances of the special.
Erivo’s performance was a masterclass in vocal delivery. Her raw emotion and intricate vocal runs brought a fresh, jazzy feel to the beloved song. The combination of Erivo’s vocal prowess and Goldblum’s playful accompaniment made this rendition of ‘The Wizard and I’ a standout moment, showcasing the depth and versatility of the ‘Wicked’ universe.
Audition Tapes From Jonathan Bailey … and Shaq?
In a pretaped segment, Jonathan Bailey shared insights into his audition process for the role of Fiyero. The ‘Sexiest Man Alive’ recounted recording himself singing ‘Dancing Through Life’ in his dressing room, even with a disruptive interruption urging the cast to the stage. This candid anecdote offered a humorous glimpse into the behind-the-scenes efforts that led to his casting.
Later in the special, director Jon M. Chu presented never-before-seen audition footage from celebrities vying for roles in ‘Wicked.’ The segment included playful submissions from Ludacris, Rob Gronkowski, Shaquille O’Neal, Gayle King, Ken Jeong, Heidi Klum, and Khloe Kardashian. These tongue-in-cheek auditions, often featuring off-key singing, added a lighthearted and entertaining dimension to the special, highlighting the widespread enthusiasm for the ‘Wicked’ movie.
These segments provided a delightful contrast, from Bailey’s earnest audition story to the comedic celebrity submissions. The mix of genuine and humorous content underscored the broad appeal and excitement surrounding the ‘Wicked’ adaptation, making it a memorable part of the special.
Remington, the 4-Year-Old Superfan, Plays Elphaba
One of the most heartwarming segments of ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ featured Remington, a 4-year-old superfan. After a montage showcasing the global and intergenerational fanbase, Remington, known for his viral video singing ‘Defying Gravity,’ was brought into the spotlight. Ariana Grande, visibly touched, revealed that Remington was in the front row, dressed as Elphaba.
Grande invited Remington on stage to ‘be my Elphie for this next song,’ and the two performed ‘Popular’ together. Remington even chimed in with Elphaba’s lines, showcasing his impressive knowledge of the musical. Grande taught him how to properly do a hair toss, and gifted him a replica of her character’s training wand, creating an unforgettable moment for the young fan.
This interaction between Grande and Remington was a beautiful tribute to the fans of ‘Wicked.’ It underscored the musical’s ability to inspire and connect with audiences of all ages, making it a standout highlight of the special.
A Tear-Jerking Performance of ‘For Good’ — With a Special Reunion
Filmed at the Gershwin Theatre, the Broadway home of ‘Wicked’ for 22 years, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande delivered an emotional performance of ‘For Good.’ This song, celebrating the friendship between Elphaba and Glinda, is central to the ‘Wicked’ narrative and provides the namesake for the second film installment.
The simplicity of the performance, with Erivo and Grande standing face-to-face, singing and showcasing their genuine camaraderie, amplified the song’s emotional impact. Erivo’s tearful eyes and Grande’s wiping away tears highlighted the deep connection between the performers and the characters they portray. Adding to the magic, composer Stephen Schwartz accompanied them on the piano.
Towards the end, original Broadway stars Idina Menzel and Kristin Chenoweth joined Erivo and Grande in a special arrangement, creating a historic reunion. This collaboration of past and present ‘Wicked’ stars underscored the enduring legacy of the musical and its themes of friendship and connection.
‘Happy Days’ and Warm Parting Words
To close the show, Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sang ‘Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again,’ a medley originally performed by Judy Garland and Barbra Streisand. This infectiously optimistic number provided a soaring and uplifting finale to the special.
Before the performance, Erivo shared that ‘Wicked’ teaches audiences to ‘look beneath the surface and see the beauty in our differences,’ while Grande added that ‘Oz has always been a magical place that celebrates uniqueness and embraces every color of the rainbow.’ Their warm parting words emphasized the themes of unity and acceptance that resonate throughout ‘Wicked.’
As Erivo and Grande sang, their message was clear: ‘In times like these that feel so divided… we want you all to know that you’re never alone, and you’re safe with us. And we love you so much.’ This finale not only showcased their vocal talents but also reinforced the special’s message of love, acceptance, and unity, leaving the audience with a sense of hope and joy.
Bonus: Cynthia Erivo Sings ‘Defying Gravity’ While Suspended
No ‘Wicked’ celebration would be complete without a performance of ‘Defying Gravity.’ Cynthia Erivo took the iconic anthem to new heights, quite literally, by performing the entire song while suspended in the air. This feat added a breathtaking visual element to an already powerful and emotionally charged number.
Erivo’s ability to maintain her vocal control and emotional depth while suspended demonstrated her exceptional talent and dedication. The performance was a stunning display of artistry, perfectly capturing the spirit of Elphaba’s defiance and empowerment.
This gravity-defying rendition of ‘Defying Gravity’ served as a fitting climax to ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night,’ leaving audiences in awe and further solidifying Erivo’s status as a phenomenal performer. It was a moment that encapsulated the magic and wonder of ‘Wicked,’ making it an unforgettable highlight of the special.
‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ was a spectacular celebration of the beloved musical and a tantalizing preview of the upcoming films. From the jazzy reimagining of ‘The Wizard and I’ to the heartwarming moments with superfans and the gravity-defying performance of ‘Defying Gravity,’ the special was packed with unforgettable highlights. The reunion of original Broadway stars, the surprise celebrity auditions, and the consistent themes of friendship, unity, and acceptance all contributed to a magical viewing experience.
As fans eagerly await the release of ‘Wicked: For Good,’ ‘Wicked: One Wonderful Night’ served as the perfect reminder of why this story continues to captivate audiences worldwide. The performances showcased the immense talent involved in the adaptation and reinforced the enduring power of ‘Wicked’’s messages. This special was more than just a promotional event; it was a heartfelt tribute to the fans and a celebration of the timeless magic of Oz.
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